Role of Drugs Control

The following acts are implemented in the state of U.T. of Puducherry:

• The Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 and Rules 1945
• The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act 1954 and Rules 1955
• The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 and Rules,1985
• The Drugs Price (Control) Order, 1995

The main objectives of DDC are:

• To ensure safety, efficacy, purity and quality of Drugs.
• To prevent consumers from self-medication.
• To ensure availability of drugs at authorized prices
• To create an awareness about the importance of proper storage of drugs
• To eliminate irrational combinations / banned drugs
• To study the problems and suggestions made by the stakeholder
• To collect the information in general about the drug trade and take necessary steps
• To prepare policy regarding drug matter
• To prevent misuse of Psychotropic drugs

The Department of Drugs Control regulates:

• To grant and renew licenses for the following Categories of Drug Manufacturing Units
  • Allopathic Drugs, Indian System of Medicine Drugs (Ayurveda, Siddha & Homoeopathy) based on the opinion of ISM Expert Committee.
  • Blood, Blood Products
  • Medical Devices
• To grant and renew licenses for Drug Selling Units
• To grant approval for Public Testing Laboratory and Blood Storage Centres
• To issue Quota of Narcotics Drugs under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act
• To investigate complaints received regarding drugs
• To carry out inspections of manufacturing and selling Units
• To draw samples of Drugs
• To conduct raids for those manufacturing spurious drugs /substandard drugs
• To take legal action against the offenders and prosecute
• To give approval to personnel as Competent Technical Person for Manufacturing and Testing
• To educate the consumers for the safe use of Drugs
• To issue various Certificates for Tenders, Exports as listed below:
  • WHO-GMP Certificate
  • Non Conviction Certificate
  • Performance Certificate
  • Free Sale Certificate
  • Schedule M / GMP Certificate
  • Production Capacity and Installation Certificate
  • Market Standing Certificate / Manufacturing & Marketing Certificate
  • Export Registration Certificate
  • Manufacturing and Marketing Certificate
  • Neutral Code Certificate
  • Under Process Certificate
  • COPP Certificate
  • Plan Approvals
  • Change of Name of firm in the license
  • Addition & Deletion of name of qualified person in license.

Actions
In case of substandard drugs, depending upon the findings of Government Analyst, the action of suspension, cancellation of licenses, prosecution is taken as per the guidelines & proceedings.